The Safer Travel Speeds in Shared Urban Spaces Funding Program is an initiative aimed at reducing vehicle speeds in busy, shared urban spaces.  This Program is part of the Safer Travel Speed strategic direction of the Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy 2007-2016.  Provision has been made for dollar for dollar funding for Local Government Councils to undertake traffic calming treatments in shared urban spaces such as town centres and shopping precincts.

The State Government has allocated $2 million, from the new Road Safety Levy, over the four-year period 2008-2011 for this Program.  Projects will be awarded funding on an annual basis with a total of $500,000 being allocated each year.

It is a requirement of funding that projects are completed within the financial year in which they commence.  For example projects which commence in July 2008 must be completed by the end of June 2009.

In shared spaces, where there is increased activity, there is a potential for conflict between motor vehicles and other road users. 

Lower travel speeds provide protection for vulnerable road users including children, pedestrians and cyclists. Traffic calming treatments are an effective way of reducing travel speeds in urban areas.

The key objectives of the dollar for dollar funding program are to:

• reduce conflict between vulnerable road users and motor vehicles by reducing speeds in shared spaces;
• increase the safety of all road users;
• improve the quality of the road environment for all users; and
• enhance safety in towns and shared urban spaces.

For further information please see the following handouts:

Safer Travel Speeds in Shared Urban Spaces Handout (305 KB)

Submissions from Councils seeking funding through the Program will be invited once a year.  The closing date for funding submissions for this year is Friday, 23 May 2008.

A copy of the application form is available below:

Application Form - Safer Travel Speeds in Shared Urban Spaces Funding Program (30KB)